Pak footballers draw level

Bangalore: India today suffered an embarrassing 0-2 defeat at the hands of a spirited Pakistan in the second football friendly to end the two-match series 1-1 here on Wednesday.

Wim Koeverman's team, which won the first friendly 1-0 on August 17, on Wednesday looked out of sorts and Pakistan were the better side in all departments of the game between the Asian Games-bound sides of the two countries at the Bangalore Football Stadium.

Pakistan richly deserved the accolades for putting up a gritty show and for not allowing the home side to make comeback into the game.

India will need to step up the gas if they hope to go past the group stage in the Asian Games.

Captain Kaleemullah and Saddam Hussain found the back of the Indian net in the 39th and 90th minutes respectively much to the delight of their coach Mohammad Shamlan who had said before of the match that India were beatable.

Kaleemullah converted a free-kick in the 39th minute, while Saddam Hussain doubled the lead in the 90th minute for the visitors.

Kaleemullah's free-kick sailed into the back of the net after a Lalrindika Ralte foul, giving Pakistan a 1-0 lead. Then, in dying moments of the game, Saddam placed the ball into the far post and sealed the match for Pakistan.